428 NATURE STUDY. 



process of spinning the cocoon. They make the cocoon in 

 the early fall, but do not transform to moths until spring. 



The hairy caterpillars are more attractive. Among the 

 prettiest are those of the tussock-moths characterized by 

 the conspicuous tufts and pencils of bright-colored hairs on 

 their backs. They are common in early fall on shade and 

 fruit trees. The yellow woolly bear, covered with soft 

 hairs of various shades of yellow or brown, is common ; 

 also the Isabella caterpillar, covered with stiff hairs ar- 



F ig. 40. Polyphemus Caterpillar. 



ranged in tufts, the middle two-thirds of the body reddish 

 brown, and either end black. These hairy caterpillars spin 

 a cocoon, lining it with thei 1 " hairs, but do not transform 

 to moths until spring. 



Care of the Caterpillars. Gather as early in the fall 

 as possible. They can be most easily found during the 

 warmer part of bright, sunshiny days. On cold days, and 

 in early morning or late afternoon, they usually disappear. 



Those brought in by the children are worth much more 

 for study than those collected by the teacher. While 



